How To Become A Pro Snowboarder?

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“If you can get your hands on this piece of craftsmanship, don’t miss out on your opportunity to FLY”- Gilson.

I literally couldn’t wait to tell you all about the fly Gilson but with one thing or another, I am only just getting round to it. However, it’s still available online and looks like it’s now a firm member of the Gilson family! Again, no one has asked me to make this little review but when a product is this good, you simply have to shout it from the rooftops. I have ridden many boards over the years BUT without any shadow of a doubt, the Fly model is my spirit board.

“Champagne is not for everyone, but that’s a good thing – untouched lines are a luxury that should be cherished with the right equipment. With a 3D base, the FLY pairs massive lift with a submerging swallow tail that allows you to surf the snow at speed”- Never a truer word was spoken Gilson!

Image Cred- snowboardmag.com

I won’t lie to y’all, you deserve better, I was so nervous to ride the Fly. It’s 156cm which is basically my height. I have never ridden a board like the Fly before, I have mainly ridden all mountain or directionals but I knew it needed to try a board like this to experience the lift, the speed and the movability in the freeride. Sadly, the conditions just didn’t seem right and I didn’t get the chance to take the board out until MARCH! But as sad as it is that the real incredible powder didn’t arrive until the end of the season, that first ride with the board. . . . man, it was something else.

I strapped in and pointed the nose down the hill, (only on the piste, taking the track to the forest that we were heading to that day for filming, there was powder on the piste). This feeling was total euphoria. The board gains so much speed and floats along the surface. There is only one way to describe the way it rides. . . . It’s surfing. The board handles like a surfboard as well, especially when you head to the side of the piste and ride up a bank and turn sharply just like riding a wave. I was beaming from ear to ear with the geekiest looking smile. I knew then I had basically found my new bestie.

When we arrived at the forest, it was one of those days like only dreams can make, a metre or so of fresh fall, still snowing, cold and crispy and the snow was light and dry. Ideal for big sweeping turns and meandering through the tree cover. That day was one of many I had in the last 2 months of the season, blissfully accompanied by the best board I have even ridden.

Did anyone else drool a little, it’s okay if you did, I did. The craftsmanship, love, care and attention that went into this board is noticeable in all conditions. The

The craftsmanship, love, care and attention that went into this board is noticeable in all conditions. The pow channel gives you lift control and the tail helps with glide but when it comes to more hard pack conditions or on the piste, no corners have been cut. The edges dig sharply into the piste, delivering a smooth turn and the nose allows for incredible directional riding. Honestly, guys, a real dream! Get your little mittens on it before the rest of the world discover it.

For more info, get in touch with me and I can send images or answer any of your questions! DM me on IG @angelicasykesuk

Featured image cred to the very talented @Mirtewashere on IG!

“As a modern family-run company and Europe’s environmentally friendly outdoor supplier, VAUDE takes its social and environmental responsibility very seriously. We breathe life into this maxim in all three of our business segments: Mountain Sports, Bike Sports and Packs ‘n Bags”- Vaude.

My photos are pretty recognisable, that bright blue jacket makes it very hard to blend in but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Vaude have kitted me out for 2 seasons now and I certainly hope the relationship continues for so many reasons. When looking at collaborations I want to work with brands that match my philosophies in life, we have a kindred link for what we stand for. Vaude is just that, a brand with integrity and one that has seen me some extreme conditions, the products continue to impress me. So I wanted to write a quick product review from the “Boe” range which is a permanent collection.

The Boe jacket is now part of my backcountry uniform. The jacket has all the basic principles one would want from a great shell. It’s lightweight and breathable, windproof and waterproof not to mention a strong and durable fabric. The fabric has a certain amount of stretch that makes the jacket like a second skin. It moves with you and allows for full freedom when riding. The hood fits over my helmet so when hiking against the elements, it keeps the heat in and protects my chin and ears! My only issue with the jacket it’s “Euro fit”. Snowboarders will know what I mean, the jacket is slim fit and comes up a little short. I always wear 2 sizes bigger to make it a little baggier but I would LOVE another 3 or 4 inches in length, just to cover my peach! One of the most exciting features is the “Green Shape” trademark which means it’s, “function environmentally-friendly products made from sustainable materials. They are manufactured under fair working conditions along the entire supply chain.” Highly recommended product, coming in a variety of irresistible colours! SHOP NOW!

The Boe pants are made for women who love to push their limits! Whether you are touring, tearing it up in the powder or simply enjoying a piste shred. Robust and reliable these sallies are awesome. No matter how many falls, tomahawks and general wear and tear the pants came in contact with, they still kept me at the perfect temperature whatever the adventure. They fit perfectly over ski and snowboard boots, they are slightly higher ride as well, which makes them very comfy. Overall the trousers are great, If I could change one thing I would make them more slim fit (still space to go over your boots), this would make them more flattering than the straight up and down style which is terrible for shorties like me! SHOP NOW

Be sure to keep an eye on their website as their AW 17/18 collection will be launching later in the summer.

I hope everyone is well. Last year, although the season was pretty turbulent with weather etc, there was one week in the season that stood out the most. It was a week of total relaxation, wonder and adventure and combining my 2 favourite things, Yoga and Snowboarding are synonymous with Chalet Rosiere. The deep house Yoga retreat last march was truly magical and now the countdown to this years retreat has begun.

This winter, working with the wonderful Alex and Philip at Chalet Rosiere and the team behind their retreats, I want to invite all you guys to take part in this unique experience. Let me tell you a little more about the retreat along with some mesmerising images that will inspire you to join me and other like minded yogis.

“Yoga and skiing or snowboarding are increasingly paired together for their complimentary effects on body and mind. Our skiing and yoga retreats combine yoga and meditation with skiing and snowboarding, in the charming resort of La Rosière.”

The Location

Set just outside the main centre of La Rosiere, Chalet Rosiere offers a really special landscape and setting. The Chalet is picture/postcard perfect, the kind of chalet you image in romantic images of the alps, combing original architecture with a few modern fixtures that blend seamlessly with the mountains, the building itself is enough! The rooms are cosy as all heck, pair that with unforgeable views- it’s a winning combo. The communal areas are also seriously special! There is no better place to relax and unwind after a hard days skiing!

The Food

“We’re passionate about food. Everyone loves a gourmet holiday, but to make the most of a mountain holiday nutrition is also important. Mountain sports are energy intensive and very demanding on your body.

Skiing is all about the great outdoors, but when a ski holiday’s all about partying and overindulgence it can be hard to connect with the magic of your surroundings. If you’re looking to progress as a skier or snowboarder, or at any mountain sport, you need to be fit and in the zone.

That’s why we’ve designed two menus for you this winter, both with mountain sport in mind. Introducing the Gourmet Savoyard and the Vegan Detox menus. At our luxury catered chalet you will be able to choose one of these two gorgeous set menus. Both celebrate local produce and strong, elegant flavours.”

The Yoga

With a sense of mindfulness and self awareness, the retreats offers you the chance to reconnect with the earth. What better place to become close to nature than in the mountains. “Yoga retreats in France are world famous for remaining loyal to the holistic teachings of yoga. France is birthplace of bohemianism, the fountainhead of truth, beauty, freedom and love. Our yoga retreats in France offer a heady mix of mountain wilderness, holistic massage, a Vegan Detox menu, mountain sport and heart-nourishing yoga and meditation. We give you fitness without sacrificing soul.Our winter and summer yoga retreats in France are timed to coincide with the full moon. It is an awe-inspiring universe we live in and the full moon is a symbol of that wonder. Celebrate wilderness and adventure with us on one of our luxury yoga retreats”.

I hope everyone is doing well. So training for Verbier Freeride Week in well underway and this year I want to keep the focus on over all health and well-being. Don’t get me wrong, being vegan in the Alps is tough but it can be done with a little dedication and some inside secrets.

I have one secret weapon that has really helped me start the day off in the best way possible. Strippd Vegan Protein is absolutely delicious and I am so stoked to be working with them to spread the word about the wonders of the products. In a balanced plant-based lifestyle, you get everything you need from natural products and I certainly, stick by the concept that we should ingest the most simple and nutritionally dense meals. That’s why, when I spotted these guys on Insta I was instantly drawn in. This is what they had to say. . . .

“STRIPPD is a new range of premium Whey and Vegan protein powders and supplements that are designed especially for women. Created to support a healthy, balanced lifestyle STRIPPD products can help women of all ages improve their overall wellbeing, boost their energy and vitality, strengthen their muscles and bones and nourish their skin, hair and nails!”

Their philosophy about body image and health is absolutely spot on. . . .”The key to maintaining wellness is ensuring everything you put into your body serves you well. The STRIPPD range utilises nutritional super ingredients like yerba mate – a South American plant extract, natural caﬀeine and immune booster that can also take the edge off hunger and help keep you trim. The all-natural powders contain just five ingredients meaning you know exactly what you’re putting into your body to ensure you get the most out of it.”

I stick by a few simple tips that I wanted to share them with you.

Smoothies are the best way to start the day. I am not talking a skinny girl smoothie, I am talking a no holes bared, nutritious and deliciously packed smoothie. I go for a few different combos but my top 2 are: 1, Stippd Protein (my fave is chocolate) with one or two bananas depending how hungry I am, cacao powder, almond milk and Chia seeds. It’s thick and keeps you going until lunch (plus chia seeds are naturally gelatinous, that help flush toxins from the body). Bare in mind this is my pre workout smoothie, it gives you energy so make the most of it, ski, snowboard or head for some activity! 2, Green smoothie with one large granny smith apple, 1 kiwi, a 3inch cut of cucumber, wheatgrass powder, macha powder and coconut milk. You can feel this smoothie doing you the world of good and it’s awesome!

Stock up on root vegetables. It worth it for me to drive an hour down the mountain to head to Aosta as there are some incredible supermarkets where the variety of fruits and veggies is almost like at home. I like to batch make soup on a windy and cold afternoon, a little bit of culinary therapy is really relaxing for me. I loved my latest concoction of beetroot and potato soup; Its warming and really good for you. Try something like parsnip and sweet potato or carrot too!

Mountain snacks!- I learnt a killer recipe from my pals of raw vegan flapjacks that keep really well and make the best mountain treats. In a bowl, I place the Strippd lean protein, ground coconut, cacao powder, peanut butter, coconut oil, maple syrup and add nuts or raisins if you like. Once you have thick paste you can squash it all into greased tubawear and cut into slices. Just imagine-mid cable car, everyone is starving for an energy boost and you bust out this absolutely mouth-watering treat and help get your friends once step closer to the reality that vegan eating is just amaze balls!

If anyone EVER has any questions about a plant-based lifestyle while working out regularly, please DON’T hesitate to message me on the socials! I would love to chat, swap stories and keep each other motivated.

“I love to see a young girl go out and grab the world by the lapels. Life’s a bitch. You’ve got to go out and kick ass.” —Maya Angelou

Today I wanted to share with you, my most inspiring and empowering female friends. These women are next level. Along the way, I have met them, known them and learnt from them and that is what is truly beautiful. These days, it’s so easy to become competitive and see every female as a “threat”, this notion is ridiculous to me. We should cheerlead one another to ensure that no matter where you are at in your life that you recognise an achievement of your fellow women, then you will surely find that you begin to feel empowered and encouraged. Together we are a team, we are queens, total badasses and YOU ARE “ONE OF US”.

Tijn is an absolute babe! She has long since been one of my favourite freeride buddies. She has taught me to push myself further, workout harder, eat better and strive to reach my potential. Tijn thinks I am totally crazy and is always there to keep me grounded. I trust her with my life, you get to feel this way when you ride back country with someone you trust, you know they have your back! Right now Tijn is focusing on Yoga, fitness traveling far and wide to ride the most gnarley lines out there! Follow her on Instagram!

I am so glad to know Annika! This season I knew I wanted to find a gal I could ride back-country with, a gal that I could share the amazing experience of freeriding with. Plotting lines, laughing, talking and looking after one another. Although the snow conditions have not yet offered Annika and I the best conditions, I am over the moon she will be killing it in the Freeride World Qualifiers this year! She will be making her debut in Chamonix, a resort she knows well. She rides like a total bad ass and she slays on the daily. This season will be epic as we get to share it together! Follow her on Instagram!

Marte has been a pal of mine for a few years now and I am so glad to know her. She has been a really generous and all round top gal to have around. I have competed with her a few times and every time I was so impressed. Marte has such a wonderful attitude to life and to riding; relaxed, happy and ready for any feature that comes her way. Marte goes big every time and to me, she nails it! I can’t wait to hang with her in Verbier, absorb some of her good vibes and ride as hard as we can! Follow her on Instagram

Now Kjersti, although I have not had the pleasure to know her in person, she is someone I look up too. For years I have followed her snowboarding journey from freestyle to freeride and everything in between. She is killing it at life. Kjersti oozes positivity and good vibes, even through the medium of social media, I love reading about her outlook on life and how she rides day to day. Kjersti is another cheerleader for women and I love to see that, if she inspired me, she will surely be inspiring others to feel empowered through snowsports! So Kjersti, I hope for a day when we can shred together and if only a smidge of your awesomeness rubs off on my, I will be one happy snowboarder! Follow her on Instagram

Alexa is so cool! Alexa started one of the best blogs I know, “Still Stoked”. The message behind the blog is incredible, sharing stories, talking to amazing women in the extreme sports industry and spreading the love. Alexa is a sick rider and I can’t wait to shred with her, maybe this season if I can get the pennies together.Alexa was the one who published the article that lead to one of my best performing posts about women just being wonderful and not feeling the need to show flesh for followers. Ladies, you don’t need to do anything you don’t want to do, be awesome, be you and ride wherever your heart takes you! Follow her on Instagram.

Mirte!- What a gal, she is killing it. Mirte is the editor in chief of Taste Magazine which is a gnarly awesome snowboard publication. Mirte is also the sickest content producer, she has a real eye for photography. Mirte is a kind hearted and lovely person to be around, when I met her in Verbier a few years ago, I felt instantly at ease in her company, I guess that’s is a natural side effect of hanging around with someone who is the definition of chill! Follow her on Instagram.

So there you have it! Enjoy, let me know what you think in the comment section below, let me know who your favorite female rider is and why? Who inspires you the most? Share and spread the love!

Long time no speak, So sorry for sucking with the blog as of late. I know I have been absolutely useless with letting you know what I am up too and talking though the issues of the world!

Not to worry as I am totally back on it, I have some blogs stock piled and ready to go in the run up to Christmas. But until then, I need your help! My blog has been selected to be shortlisted for the Trespass Blog Awards! All you have today, is head online, following the link http://www.trespass.com/blog-awards-nominations.

Stay tuned for tomorrow and I will be bringing you an update on filming and being back in the mountains.

#if3London last Thursday night was EPIC! Capital letters are an absolute must when describing this event as totally rocked my damn world.

You probably won’t be surprised when you hear me say, you literally couldn’t pay me to live in London, I enjoy stopping by for events and meetings but any longer than 3 days, I hate the place. Too crowded, no sense of community and it’s simply not like home in the Mountains. But last thursday, London felt like home- It felt like an Apres Ski bar at The Grand Clapham and every person in that building felt like a seasonnaire pal.

Subzero events did an incredible job of organising the night, it went off like clock work. The atmosphere was electric, literally winter vibes left right and centre.

I was of course running the social media for @Fatmap, the sponsors of the evening which meant I got to chat to all the athletes and filmers, so as you can imagine, I was beaming from ear to ear!

Amazing. The scenery was incredible, seeing everything that France has to offer. Big sends and even bigger lines! Backyards was inspiring too, a really strong movie showing the trials and tribulations of offpiste life. It was sooooo good.

This edit was brilliant as it showcased some British talent. The lads are crazy and had a fun and outgoing attitude to match. This was the first edit shown and was an excellent way to kick off the evening! I loved meeting them after and having a little chat. They have some big things in store this winter too.

Every Damn Weekend was awesome. Luca and Franci represented for Fatmap in a big way. Showing how effectively the app works and how it helped shape their lines. Plus everyone in the room absolutely loved the switch from Italian city life to extreme backcountry antics! They filmed in Cervinia/Zermatt too which obviously make me nearly faint with excitement.

OH Sweet Lord! Characters on Skis was a powder overload. If you didn’t already feel like the mountains were calling then this edit will surely have thrown you over the edge. Felix and Neil took up deep into the backcountry here in Europe and Japan, chasing the snow wherever they could find it. This was winter goals for sure!

The Norwegian lads were a massive hit in the hall. The lads were clearly over the moon to showcase their film in London and it’s easy to see why. No one does urban riding like the scandi’s and this edit was a perfect example of how to turn an area into a sick ride. Filmed in Norway, by Norwegians, I think everyone was checking prices to Oslo for this season. They did some crazy ass stuff and I loved it. Plus they were hella cute! 😉 You guys know I am a sucker for a viking.

I am so excited for the Telegraph Ski and Snowboard Show this year. It’s already set up to be the best yet; with incredible brands, great entertainment and very very wintery vibes. I will be there with a few of my favoruite brands, find me hanging out with Snooks wear and with the team at Fatmap.

So what is the Telegraph Ski And Snowboard Show all about:

“Since its conception, 43 years ago, The Telegraph Ski & Snowboard Show has stood as thepinnacle winter-sports event in the UK. From it’s beginnings in London’s Olympia it has grown into an alpine festival bringing over 200 snow-sports brands, industry experts, professional athletes, entertainment and thousands of enthusiasts together for an annual celebration of winter-sports.

As part of the UK’s largest snow-sports portfolio, The Telegraph Ski & Snowboard Show is uniquely placed to bring brands & resorts face-to-face with a quality audience. Our visitors are avid snow sports consumers who take multiple ski and snowboard holidays each season with 38% describing themselves as experts. The show has become the event to launch their season, with visitors seeking to try new products and plan holidays.

This year the show will take place during October Half Term within London’s stunning Battersea Park. New features for families will be on offer, as well as appearances from pro-riders, the Altitude Comedy Tent. authentic alpine food and drink and our dedicated mountain restaurant.”

I am so tired. I thought I would be totally fine working without a day off for 7/8 Months but it’s officially hit me. It will all slow down in October as I finish helping my parents out at their business and I will just be working with the charity and a few other social media jobs which I will say I LOVE. I am not for one second suggesting I don’t want to be doing what I’m doing, I am so lucky so work with some amazing brands helping with them get their message out to the world and I am so stoked to keep working with them until the cows come home.

BUT

I am hearing that call of the mountains. It’s literally all I hear day in day out. The other day- This is the most bitch ass story every- I saw a really cool photo of the Matterhorn and I CRIED LIKE A LITTLE BABY! Not one sorry trickle down my check while listening to cold play “Fix You”, nah, it was full blown tears.

Being home has taught me so much about myself, I have not spent this much time in the UK since I was 17 and that was 7 years ago. I am driving my parents mad but I have loved being with them, they are legit awesome people. I am also so grateful for finding the jobs I did, I didn’t have to work in a dead end job I hate for the summer, I have done something I love but I am ready for my next adventure.

It is a question I have pondered many times before. I always felt a little wince inside me whenever I refereed to myself as such, not truly believing that I was one. Not only that but thinking people would look at me and not believe it. That was why I wrote those articles back in November when I had a run in with 2 people who said I was “too fat” to be an athlete.

But anyway, I wrote that article, you know the one, if not scroll down to older posts “The F word” so empower myself and others. We need to strive for overall health and vitality and not an idea of skinny or some kind of body goal. This message is all encompassing for people who are physically fit and are damn proud of a high level of fitness but people pick holes in their body shape.

Well I feel like I can finally say I am past ALL OF IT. Call me fat or don’t. I mean those who do, will get one of my famous scowls and a speech about how they perhaps need to look internally to understand what drives them to comment on superficial things like body shape but even if people say what an awesome body I have, thanks but I am not sure I need you to say it anymore.

Yes I have lost a lot of weight recently, not deliberately but through vegan eating and a new workout routine, I have just become more toned and everything is becoming that little bit, shall we say- tighter. I am stoked of course, not because I wanted to loose weight so badly but because I am striving for better health. I feel so light on my feet at the moment and the world has become such a bright place, “Oh pipe down you hippie lefty”- right? People normally tell vegans to pipe down when we start to talk about this kind of thing but you are reading this because you are interested?- well vegan eating cleared my achy totally!- it has helped me create new muscle definition, I feel generally calmer, mood swings are non existent and I feel so strong and genuinely POWERFUL.

With the continuation of my yoga practice, meditation and a state of mindfulness, paired with the clean eating (well most of the time) and little to no alcohol has lead me to a place of bliss.

What I am ready for now is to hopefully inspire others to become self aware, mindful and peaceful from within. I am also ready to smash my up coming projects. I am heading to Lake Garda in just a few days, after that I have the volunteer trip to Malawi, then the Ski show and finally winter begins. All is well.